Symptoms, explained
A knocked-out or injured tooth: the first few minutes matter
If an adult tooth has been completely knocked out, seek an available dentist immediately. Hold it by the crown, not the root. If it goes back easily, place it gently in its socket; otherwise keep it in milk. Never reinsert a baby tooth or force a tooth into place. Do not wait for this practice to reopen.
This page can’t diagnose you. Similar symptoms can have different causes. A dentist uses your history, an examination and any appropriate tests to explain what is happening and what care you need.
Toothache right now? Call reception to check the next available appointment.
Call nowGo to an emergency department NOW — don’t wait for us — if you have: any sign of a head injury with the knock — being knocked out cold, confusion, drowsiness or vomiting; a jaw that may be broken — it looks crooked, or the teeth suddenly don’t meet the way they did; swelling under the tongue or into the neck; or any difficulty swallowing or breathing. These are medical emergencies first and dental problems second.
An adult tooth knocked completely out — the next few minutes count
A knocked-out adult tooth needs urgent care. Avoid touching or scrubbing the root and keep the tooth moist. Quick action can improve its chances, but not every tooth can be saved.
- Hold the tooth by the crown, the part normally visible. Avoid touching the root.
- If dirty, rinse it gently in milk. Do not scrub it.
- If it goes back easily, place the adult tooth gently in its socket and bite on a clean cloth. Do not force it.
- If you cannot reinsert it, keep it in milk. Do not wrap it dry or store it in tap water.
- Contact an available dentist immediately. Tell them an adult tooth has been knocked out; do not wait for our opening hours or a message reply.
The dentist assesses whether and how to replant and stabilise the tooth. A splint may be used; its duration and follow-up depend on the injury and root development. For adult teeth that are fully formed, root canal treatment is often part of care; a developing adult tooth may be monitored differently.
We may check tetanus protection, and antibiotics are a routine part of treatment here after replantation, selected by the treating dentist for the patient. They are used alongside replantation and follow-up care, not instead of dental treatment. Do not take leftover antibiotics.
Time spent dry affects the outlook. Bring the tooth even if time has passed; the dentist explains its chances and the available options.
What you should do
A knocked-out adult tooth needs urgent dental care immediately. Keep it moist as described above and contact an available dentist now; do not wait for our practice to reopen. Never reinsert a baby tooth.
If it’s a baby tooth: don’t put it back
Baby teeth are never replanted: pushing one back can damage the permanent tooth still forming underneath. A knocked-out baby tooth stays out.
Arrange urgent dental advice for your child to check the injury and neighbouring teeth. If you cannot tell whether it is a baby or adult tooth, do not guess or force it back; keep it in milk and seek help.
What you should do
Do not reinsert a baby tooth. Contact an available dentist promptly for your child; serious injury, heavy bleeding or possible head injury needs emergency medical care.
A tooth still in place but loose or displaced
A tooth can suffer root or supporting-tissue injury while still in the mouth. Movement, tenderness or a changed position needs urgent assessment. Do not wiggle it or bite on it.
Treatment may involve monitoring, repositioning, a splint or other care depending on the injury and whether it is a baby or adult tooth. The dentist decides the follow-up rather than using one timetable for every injury.
What you should do
Contact reception for urgent dental assessment. If we are closed or cannot see you promptly, contact another available dentist. Do not wait for a WhatsApp reply if symptoms are worsening.
A chipped corner after an injury
A broken surface cannot show the full extent of an injury. Keep any fragment in milk and bring it to a dentist. Lack of pain does not rule out damage.
- Smoothing, reattaching the fragment or a filling may be suitable after assessment.
What you should do
Contact reception to arrange an assessment and describe your symptoms. Ask how soon you should be seen; new swelling, severe pain or an injury needs urgent advice.
A deep break, pink tissue or bleeding from the tooth
This may involve the pulp or other injured tissue and needs urgent dental assessment. Do not probe the break. The dentist checks the injury and explains whether the tooth can be preserved.
- A protective pulp treatment may be possible in a suitable tooth.
- Root canal treatment may be considered when appropriate, with a restoration afterwards; results depend on the injury. (Root canal: from R3,500)
What you should do
Contact reception for urgent dental assessment. If we are closed or cannot see you promptly, contact another available dentist. Do not wait for a WhatsApp reply if symptoms are worsening.
Why follow-up matters after a dental injury
Problems can appear after the initial injury seems settled. The dentist gives you an individual review plan based on the tooth, injury and treatment, and explains any tests needed.
What you should do
Keep the recommended reviews. Contact a dentist if colour changes, pain, swelling or a new gum lump appears between visits.
What it costs
We quote before we treat. Ask reception about consultation fees and your medical aid. Cover depends on your scheme, plan and available benefits; co-payments may apply. Confirm benefits and any required authorisation before treatment.
Displayed “from” prices are starting amounts for straightforward cases, not the total cost of every treatment plan. After assessment, ask for an itemised quote confirming any consultation, retreatment and final restoration needed.
On a medical aid? Understand medical aid and treatment quotes — then check your plan’s benefits and any authorisation with your scheme. A benefit check is not a guarantee of payment.
Related dental guides
Sources for this guide
General patient information supports this guide. Your dentist assesses your own symptoms, treatment and aftercare; overseas service numbers and payment rules do not apply here.
Not sure which pattern is yours?
Tell reception what you’re feeling and ask for an appointment. Reception confirms availability and your date and time. After-hours messages are reviewed when the practice reopens; urgent symptoms should not wait for a reply.